Alexandria Attorney Joins Trans Inmate’s Legal Fight

A Virginia attorney has joined a transsexual inmate’s fight to have the state cover the cost of her gender reassignment surgery.

U.S. District Judge James Turk dismissed Ophelia De’Lonta’s lawsuit in October, saying that the Virginia Department of Corrections was adequately treating De’Lonta’s gender identity disorder, as prison inmates are guaranteed only the minimum necessary care.

Attorney Victor Glasberg has now joined De’Lonta’s appeal, saying that she should be evaluated by a medical professional before a decision is made as to whether or not surgery is appropriate. Glasberg previously represented De’Lonta several years ago and successfully secured access to female hormones for her.

De’Lonta has argued that she attempts self-castration as a result of her disorder, and that surgery is required to prevent further attempts.